Final answer:
Ancient Greek culture was characterized by its shared language, religion, art, and values, which were influenced by interactions with other cultures and represented in their art and mythology. The evolution from an oral to a literate society allowed for the preservation of ideas and philosophical thought. Cultural practices like the Olympics helped unify Greek city-states and facilitated cultural exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
The many artistic influences on ancient Greece suggest that it was a civilization deeply connected with other parts of the ancient world. Through arts, architecture, and mythology, Greek culture displayed its values and societal norms. The heavy reliance on mythical symbols and depictions in Greek art indicates a culture deeply intertwined with its religion and mythology, using these narratives to embody the societal values and also to communicate complex concepts to the populace.
Furthermore, the transition from an oral to a literate culture allowed for more concrete preservation and contemplation of ideas, as seen in the works of philosophers like Plato. Cities commissioned works to honor their gods and beautify their cities, signifying the importance of religion and aesthetics in daily life. Panhellenic sanctuaries and festivals, like the Olympics, fostered a sense of unity among the disparate city-states and promoted cultural exchange.
Ancient Greek culture has had a lasting impact, influencing western society and spreading through conquests and assimilation by other cultures, such as Alexander the Great and the Romans. This thriving cultural legacy has its roots in early civilizations even before the popular classical period and evolved significantly from 900 to 480 BCE during the Geometric, Orientalizing, and Archaic periods.